Steve Geller

Fantasy Football Week 12: Sit 'Em, Start 'Em

by Steve Geller, steve@wwl.com,posted Nov 22 2013 4:54PM

This is the final week we will have to deal with byes, and the fantasy playoffs are just around the corner. Taking a look back at the Saints game, I really thought the offense was going to put up a lot more points. Sure a win is a win, but that doesn't help my fantasy team!

Here's my take on week 12:

SIT 'EM

Chargers QB Philip Rivers

Rivers has been a fantasy steal this season, racking up some big games. He had somewhat of a down game in week 11, throwing for 298 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a loss to the Dolphins. Now the Chargers will face another stiff test in week 12 as they travel to Kansas City to take on the league's ninth best pass defense. The Chiefs are coming off their first loss of the season, and I expect them to try and tomahawk Rivers and the air attack.

Cardinals RB Andre Ellington

The impressive rookie seemed to fall back behind Rashard Mendenhall in week 11, as he touched the ball ten times compared to Mendenhall's 16 touches. Ellington is excellent with the ball in space, but if he is only going to touch the ball between 10-15 times, he is an extremely risky play in all fantasy leagues. I would only start him against the Colts if you are desperate for a high risk, high reward option in week 12.

Rams WR Tavon Austin

Austin made his biggest fantasy impact of his young career in week ten, catching two touchdown passes for 138 yards, while also finding the end zone on a long punt return. The electric rookie was picked up in many fantasy leagues after this game, but I would not recommend starting him until he starts seeing the field more on offense. Despite his big fantasy numbers in week ten, Austin played just 15 snaps on offense, a number that will not lead to fantasy success in the future.

START 'EM

Patrios RB Shane Vereen

Vereen made his long awaited return to the field in week 11 and despite talk of him being eased back into action, that wasn't the case. He played on nearly 50 percent of the snaps, leading the Pats in receptions and yards with eight catches for 65 yards, and he was targeted 11 times. This week Vereen has a very juicy matchup vs. the Denver Broncos, in what will likely be a shootout.

Giants WR Rueben Randle

Man o man is this former LSU Tiger the definition of boom or bust in fantasy this season. He has scored six touchdowns in his last six games played, but during that same span he has only gained more than 75 yards once. Randle is definitely not catching many passes, but when he does he is making them count as he is scoring a touchdown on every 4.8 receptions. This week Randle faces the Dallas Cowboys, which the Who Dat Nation knows very weel is by far the NFL's worst pass defense as they are giving up 313 yards passing per game. Randle's only game this season when he has surpassed 100 yards receiving was in week one vs. the Cowboys and don't be surprised if he does that again.

Packers WR James Jones

After leading the NFL with 14 receiving touchdowns last season and with Greg Jennings no longer part of the team, the sky was the limit for James Jones. Unfortunately that hasn't been the case as injuries and three different starting quarterback has made this season a frustrating one. With Aaron Rodgers still injured, Scott Tolzien will start once again. Tolzien hasn't been great, throwing five interceptions and only one touchdown over two games, but he has also passed for 619 yards. This week Jones and the Packers will be playing the Vikings, who are giving up the fourth most passing yards per game through the air this season. Jones should have plenty of chances to make some plays and put up fantasy points.